Publisher's Summary

When Kris Bjornsen and her fellow slaves were dumped on an uninhabited planet by the alien overlords called Catteni, there was no guarantee they would survive. Without the help of Zainal, a renegade Catteni exiled by his own people, they might all have been food for the predators of the new world. But they did survive, building a civilization and a home on the planet they named Botany. In time they were instrumental in driving the Catteni away from Earth and neighboring planets. Botany is free now, and so is the devastated Earth.

The survivalist days are over, and the time has come for Botany to find its place in the power struggles of the newly configured universe. As an agricultural planet, rich in resources, Botany has more to offer than the colonists may have thought. A trip to Earth shows Kris and Zainal very dramatically how weakened the home planet is after years of Catteni domination, and how much Earth needs what Botany can give.

Other worlds too have had their wealth skimmed away by the Catteni: the nearby planet of Barevi is little more than a corrupt bazaar, where bits and pieces of Earth's once powerful technology can be traded for grain and mineral ores.

Earth needs food, and the resources to rebuild. Botany needs technology - from solar satellite panels to simple batteries - and, some say, the will to protect itself from being overrun by refugees who may or may not have strength and skills. As alien influence fades, the people of Botany must decide what kind of world they will become.

I had really enjoyed the performances on the firs 3 books of this series. this one not so much. The reader just didn't have the flexibility of voice. I liked the story but found it harder to follow, glad I had read the book first.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

kim

Frisco, NC, United States

31/08/10

Overall

"Ghost written?"

Although the story does further the plot left hanging in the previous novel, it is written in a very rough form. The lack of clarity in sentence structure and the way the story jumps around almost make it seem as if McCaffrey's outline for the book was given to a very junior writer/editor team for completion. Details from the previous novels are incorrect or changed to suit the author, leaving little feel of continuity. One of the worst I've experienced from McCaffrey, it left me feeling unfulfilled rather than hungry for more.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Darth

20/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great writer!!"

This is a good series of books. With a good voice actor! This series of books creates an imagination of what could be.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Will Duke

Spring Valley, CA United States

3/01/15

Overall

"Great story!"

Strong characterizations; engaging plot showing how people who work together and are well led can accomplish great things against enormous odds. Well read. One of Anne McCaffrey's best series. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Robin

San Acacio, CO

21/10/11

Overall

Performance

Story

"Poor Quality Audio"

Incredibly poor quality audio. Liked this series much better when I read it. Such a waste.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

TuesdayRelease

14/06/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"why was this the end?"

I enjoyed this series and was sad to have it end. I did very much enjoy the story and Performance

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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Teresa Cooper

3/02/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Zainal solves more problems."

Kris and Zainal are continuing with their leadership of Botany and following through on the Botanist hopes. Any more and I will need a spoiler alert. A good book that can stand alone, but is helped by the earlier books in the series. I would recommend this title as it's a gentle sci fantasy. So give it a try.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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